The Sandeshkhali issue in West Bengal has drawn national attention due to serious allegations of sexual exploitation and land grabbing by local leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The issue first came to light in January 2024 and has since escalated into a major controversy, sparking widespread protests and political debates. Sandeshkhali is a region located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, near the India-Bangladesh border. It is part of the Sundarbans, an area known for its unique ecosystem and fragile environment. The region is primarily inhabited by marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The crisis in Sandeshkhali reportedly began with allegations of sexual exploitation by Sheikh Shahjahan, a member of the local Zila Parishad and a leader of the TMC. According to victims and their families, women in the area were systematically targeted and sexually abused by TMC members, often being taken to the party office under the ...